Hide the Denman again….or stand the risk of drastically and quickly reducing my new found volume.
Last night I decided to do my hair for the weekend so I could be all sexy like for Valentine’s 🙂 The obsession I have with the ends of my hair manifests as VERY frequent search and destroys. For the past 6 or so months, I’ve had nearly zero split ends, and only slight breakage here and there. Awesomeness. My main tools during this split free stint were my 10 digits and a wide tooth comb.
When I started going through the ends last night, I found more than 30 splits (baby ones, and some ‘feathery’ ones) and a crap load of single strand knots. Needless to say I was horrified! When I see splits my obsession turns compulsion, and I usually snip off more than needed. So ladies, I cut off about an inch or so of hair last night, and hid the Denman from myself. It makes my hair incredibly smooth and my T&Cs look amazing, but it’s not worth it! I did feel that it was a bit harsh at times, but I felt that since so many natural hair guru’s use it, that it must be okay. I harvested some hair from the brush and found quite a few broken hairs- short and long. It’s back to the old fingers and Jilbere for me. Moral of the story- stick to what works…oh, and don’t brush wet 🙂
Later Gators,
Nik
Disclaimer: If wet brushing works for you, by all means continue doing so! But, to my fine strand ladies, please heed this warning!
Much needed post. we have found that the best detangle method if you are going to use the Denman brush or tangle teazer or any type of detangler brush for very matted tangled Afro or natural hair are products like the Take Down Remover/Detangler cream.
Most of the brushes and conditioners are not created to safely detangle severely matted tangled hair. In fact, they could make the knots and matts worse.
The Denman should always only be used on dry afro hair, I was looking at videos on YouTube and was surprised to see allot of people complaining about the Denman range surprise surprise when I realised that all of them comb hair when wet, this brush for afro hair was not designed as a detangler, because the bristle is made from nylon it does cause split ends, if you choose to use it on wet hair comb through first with a wide tooth comb then brush your hair using the Denman I recommend the D31 D41 For those who suffer split ends when using the classic range.
I use mine *only* after detangling. I agree with CN, T&Cs look fantastic after a Denman session (the one reason I don't just throw it out) but I'll never detangle with one…I won't have hair!
I Cannot use the denman brush pulls my hair out. I have medium to fine hair very curly hair.
My Denman D3 worked fabulously when I was wearing a TWA and up to about 3 inches long. But now that I’m a year out from my BC, I can’t use it anymore — TONS of breakage.
I had a Denman D3 for a day before I swapped it.
Same here, tried the Denman and binned it…Nikki, if you can get hold of the Vidal Sassoon Anti Frizz brush in the States, its well worth a purchase…I only use for smoothing the hair down, its soft, does as it says and is really gentle on the hair…I normally use wide tooth comb after Deep dish, then the brush after applying products, its great
Same with me! I was wondering why I had soo many split ends and single strand knots for months and months since im letting my hair grow out now. I was a dedicated Denman user for years but lately I have been passing on it as I also found it was the culprit. I might try the Aveda Styling Brush which has less teeth and detangles well with out pulling out hair but until then, I will also stick with my fingers and wide teeth comb which does well.
The Denman is the devil! Broke and damaged my hair.
Wish I’d seen this last night…although in the back of my mind I already knew I was probably not doing my hair any favors with the Denman, especially since I was tired and in a bit of a rush. Suffice it to say that the sounds of ends snapping off were a little louder and more frequent than usual so, yeah…the Denman’s going back in the product/tool graveyard.
My Goody Jojoba Shine brush has now lost about half its bristles so I’m going to get another one today, and maybe two if I have enough cash left on my gift card. I don’t think it detangles my roots as well as the Denman but I’ll deal…
I never use my Denman brush because it seems like it takes out err little hair. I am loving the Goody Jojoba Shine Brush to detangle damp hair and style dry (rollerset) hair.
I was about to buy a Denman brush earlier this week. Glad I changed my mind because I’m battling with my damaged, brittle, colored ends and don’t need any tool that will exacerbate the problem.
I still haven’t found a detangling regime that works…maybe I’ll try Knot Today
I bought mine when I was transitioning and used it twice. both times were hellish and that’s with tons of condish on my hair…since the BC, I’m scurred to use it..so I have it sitting..maybe I’ll pull it out for one more try…or not. time will determine this.
hmm, wow. all i’ve heard are amazing things about the denman. i’m glad that i kno this. well, buit… i’m super-nappy anyway so brushes are off limits.
I just found a boat load of splits yesterday too and will be trimming this weekend. i suspected the Denman but had the same thoughts as you but I am also a very fine haired lady and will have to put it away.
aww, sorry this didn’t work out. just keep doing what works for you. like they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
I so feel you on this post. I’ve tried the Denman a few times and my ends always take a beating. When I use my comb, my fingers and a good conditioner, my hair looks great. I agree! Stick with what works best for you.
I started using it right around NYE and will be retiring TODAY. I always thought it was harsh with all the tugging. Even with lots of conditioner I lose strands. NO THANKS.
I bought a Denman brush, but retyrned it the next day because it made my hair too tangled. IT also seemed to pull out alot of hair. i just use a good ole wide tooth Ace comb that I’ve had for years. My ace comb along with HEHH gets me just right everytime. 🙂
I got exactly the same results (split ends). I hear so many people raving about this brush but I can’t use it. Don’t worry, 1 inch off is several inches saved!
brushing for thick hair is okay?